Important: The Google+ API for Hangouts is no longer supported. Learn more

Create new kinds of social experiences

Build games where you can see everyone's reactions or use your whole body to communicate, collaborate face-to-face-to-face in real-time, or connect with family and friends in new ways.

The Google+ Hangouts API allows you to develop collaborative apps that run inside of Hangouts Desktop Video. Hangout apps behave much like normal web apps, but with the addition of the rich, real-time functionality provided by the Hangouts APIs. Apps have the ability to control aspects of the user interface, synchronize data between Hangout participants, and respond to various events in the Hangout.

Launch a Hangout directly from your site

Use the Hangout button on your site to make it easier for users to navigate directly to your app. Once clicked, the button opens a Hangout or Hangout On Air with your app already added. Users can then share it with their friends and family.

Create custom media effects

Technology that responds to facial movement means that any Hangout participant can wear virtual mustaches, hats, sunglasses, scarves, and more. You could even brand these digital accessories with your logo.

Enable real-time collaboration

Users can work and create together even if they’re far away from one another. You can synchronize data between participants and respond to various events in the Hangout.

Make it physically interactive

You can let users control the app with their bodies. In Draw With Your Face, participants draw hands-free in a way that’s fast-paced, challenging, and fun. With Ping Pong Hangout, you control the movement of the paddle with your head movements. The game is synced between players as they hit the ball back and forth.